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The key to preparing nano-films by DC (Direct Current) sputtering is to prepare the film materials into targets. Organic small molecule fluorescent materials (such as 1, 4-Bis(2-cyanostyryl) benzene, to be noted as ER-I) are usually not conductive, and it is not possible to make the elements as targets. Therefore, there are some difficulties in preparing the organic materials into films by DC sputtering. In this paper, we fabricated ER-I nano-films by using the DC sputtering method, and their fluorescence properties are significantly different from those of powder materials. The fluorescence emission spectra of the films prepared by the DC sputtering method have an apparent bimodal morphology. Compared with the ER-I powder material, the fluorescence emission peak has a blue shift of 5 nm and 22 nm. To study the luminescence mechanism of the films, we further investigated the fluorescence properties of the films after thermal treatment and analyzed the structure and surface morphology of the films by XRD and SEM. This paper provides a new idea and method for the preparation of organic nano-films and has a potential application value in the preparation of organic light-emitting films and soft optics devices.

ABSTRACT Bacterial ribosome-dependent attenuators are widespread posttranscriptional regulators. They harbor small upstream open reading frames (uORFs) encoding leader peptides, for which no functions in trans are known yet. In the plant symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti, the tryptophan biosynthesis gene trpE(G) is preceded by the uORF trpL and is regulated by transcription attenuation according to tryptophan availability. However, trpLE(G) transcription is initiated independently of the tryptophan level in S. meliloti, thereby ensuring a largely tryptophan-independent production of the leader peptide peTrpL. Here, we provide evidence for a tryptophan-independent role of peTrpL in trans. We found that peTrpL increases the resistance toward tetracycline, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and the flavonoid genistein, which are substrates of the major multidrug efflux pump SmeAB. Coimmunoprecipitation with a FLAG-peTrpL suggested smeR mRNA, which encodes the transcription repressor of smeABR, as a peptide target. Indeed, upon antibiotic exposure, smeR mRNA was destabilized and smeA stabilized in a peTrpL-dependent manner, showing that peTrpL acts in the differential regulation of smeABR. Furthermore, smeR mRNA was coimmunoprecipitated with peTrpL in antibiotic-dependent ribonucleoprotein (ARNP) complexes, which, in addition, contained an antibiotic-induced antisense RNA complementary to smeR. In vitro ARNP reconstitution revealed that the above-mentioned antibiotics and genistein directly support complex formation. A specific region of the antisense RNA was identified as a seed region for ARNP assembly in vitro. Altogether, our data show that peTrpL is involved in a mechanism for direct utilization of antimicrobial compounds in posttranscriptional regulation of multiresistance genes. Importantly, this role of peTrpL in resistance is conserved in other Alphaproteobacteria. IMPORTANCE Leader peptides encoded by transcription attenuators are widespread small proteins that are considered nonfunctional in trans. We found that the leader peptide peTrpL of the soil-dwelling plant symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti is required for differential, posttranscriptional regulation of a multidrug resistance operon upon antibiotic exposure. Multiresistance achieved by efflux of different antimicrobial compounds ensures survival and competitiveness in nature and is important from both evolutionary and medical points of view. We show that the leader peptide forms antibiotic- and flavonoid-dependent ribonucleoprotein complexes (ARNPs) for destabilization of smeR mRNA encoding the transcription repressor of the major multidrug resistance operon. The seed region for ARNP assembly was localized in an antisense RNA, whose transcription is induced by antimicrobial compounds. The discovery of ARNP complexes as new players in multiresistance regulation opens new perspectives in understanding bacterial physiology and evolution and potentially provides new targets for antibacterial control.

In this work, α-Fe2O3 nanowires were synthesized on nickel foam with the metal salt MgCl2 as inducing agents. When the prepared α-Fe2O3 nanowires were used as electrode materials in supercapacitors, they exhibited excellent electrochemical performance compared with pristine α-Fe2O3. The Mg2+-induced α-Fe2O3 nanowires have a large specific capacitance of 1.57 ​F ​cm-2 at a current density of 1 ​mA ​cm-2 and the specific capacitance retention is approximately 98% at a current density of 10 ​mA ​cm-2 after 500 cycles. The good electrochemical performance is due to the unique structure of the nanowires. This work opens a new route for supercapacitor materials.

Wild relatives represent a source of variation for many traits of interest for eggplant (Solanum melongena) breeding, as well as for broadening its genetic base. However, interspecific hybridization with wild relatives has been barely used in eggplant breeding programs, and reproductive barriers have resulted in reduced seed numbers in interspecific combinations. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. We hybridized females of cultivated eggplant 177 (Solanum melongena) with males of wild relatives 53 and Y11 (Solanum aethiopicum). Self-crossed 177 was the control. The seed number per control fruit was significantly higher than that of the hybrids. Paraffin sections showed no significant difference between control and 177×53 and 177×Y11. Double fertilization began 4 days post-pollination. Sperm cells were fused with egg cells 6 days post-pollination. To understand the differences in molecular mechanisms underlying this process, transcriptomes of ovaries at 0, 4, and 6 days after self-crossing and hybridization were analyzed. We screened 22,311 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control and hybrids 4 and 6 days post-pollination. A total of 497 DEGs were shared among all pollination combinations. These DEGs were enriched in plant hormone transduction, cell senescence, metabolism, and biosynthesis pathways. DEG clustering analysis indicated distinct expression patterns between the control and hybrids but not between the hybrids. The DEGs in hybrids involved secondary metabolic process, phenylpropanoid metabolic process, and carboxypeptidase activity, while those in the control involved xyloglucan metabolic process, auxin-activated signaling pathway, cell wall polysaccharide metabolic process, and xyloglucosyl transferase activity. Additionally, 1683 transcription factors, including members of the AP2-ERF, MYB, bHLH, and B3 families may play important roles in self-crossing and hybridization. Our results provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying variations between ovaries of self-crossed and hybrid eggplants and a basis for future studies on crossbreeding Solanum and genetic mechanisms underlying double fertilization.

In the present contribution, the water-cement-density ratio law for the standard curing 28-day compressive strength of cement-based materials including grout, normal concrete, ceramsite concrete, and foamed concrete is proposed. The standard curing 28-day compressive strength of different grouts, normal concrete, ceramsite concrete, and foamed concrete was tested. Simulations for Abrams’ law, Bolomey’s formula, and water-cement-density ratio law were carried out and compared. The water-cement-density ratio law illustrates better simulations for the prediction of the 28-day compressive strength of cement-based materials. The water-cement-density ratio law includes both the water-cement ratio and relative apparent density of the cement-based material. Relative apparent density of the cement-based material is an important one of all the factors determining the compressive strength of the cement-based material. The water-cement-density ratio law will be beneficial for the precise and generalized prediction of the 28-day standard curing compressive strength of cement-based materials.

Emulsion gels have received increasing attention due to their unique physicochemical properties. In this paper, gelatin and whey protein isolate (WPI) were used to construct emulsion-filled gels by heat-induced or enzyme-induced methods, and their rheology, texture properties and microstructure were explored and compared. The effect of the preparation methods, emulsion droplet characteristics and gel matrix concentration on the elastic modulus and hardness of the gels were firstly investigated, then the key control factors were picked out by calculating the Pearson correlation index, and the design principle was constructed by combining these factors flexibly for emulsion gels with adjustable texture. The results show that the emulsion gels formed by different preparation methods have completely distinct microstructures and emulsion distributions, as well as the macroscopic properties of the gels, specifically the enzyme-induced gels exhibited greater elastic modulus and hardness, while heat-induced gels were softer and more delicate. In addition, the droplet sizes of filled emulsions and matrix concentration mainly affected the rheological properties and hardness of the gels. This study successfully established the design principles of emulsion gels with tunable texture structure, which provided a reference for targeted gels preparation according to the texture properties required by specific application scenarios.

Abstract Background The results of our previous study showed that impaired cellular energy metabolism contributes to duck enteritis virus-induced autophagy via the 5`-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/tuberous sclerosis complex 2/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in duck embryo fibroblast (DEF) cells. However, it remains unknown whether any other underlying mechanisms of AMPK activation are involved in autophagy induction. Methods The activity of CaMKKβ and AMPK in DEF cells infected with DEV were evaluated.The Effect of inhibitory activity of CaMKKβ on DEV-induced autophagy was investigated. In addtion to, the cytosolic calcium level in DEF cells infected with DEV were evaluated.The Effect of inhibitory cytosolic calcium level on DEV-induced autophagy was investigated. Results In this study, duck enteritis virus (DEV) infection activated CaMKKβ and its substrate molecule AMPK at 36, 48, and 60 h post-infection (hpi). STO-609, a CaMKKβ inhibitor, or CaMKKβ siRNA significantly inhibited the activation of DEV to AMPK, LC3I to LC3II transformation, and GFP-LC3 puncta distribution. In addition, inhibition of CaMKKβ activity also significantly reduced progeny DEV titer and gB protein expression. Besides, cytosolic calcium (Ca2+) was higher in DEV-infected cells than mock controls at 36, 48, and 60 hpi, respectively. Treatment of DEV-infected cells with 1,2-Bis (2-aminophenoxy) ethane-N, N, N′, N-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA-AM) significantly reduced intracellular Ca2+ ion concentrations, as well as CaMKKβ and AMPK activities, and subsequent autophagy, in addition to viral protein synthesis and viral titer. Conclusions These results showed that elevated [Ca2+]cyto-mediated activation of CaMKKβ managed the activation of AMPK, which then positively regulated autophagy, thereby providing further insight into DEV–host interactions.

Summary: Cell proliferation can be dependent on the non-essential amino acid serine, and dietary restriction of serine inhibits tumor growth, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Using a metabolomics approach, we found that serine deprivation most predominantly impacts cellular acylcarnitine levels, a signature of altered mitochondrial function. Fuel utilization from fatty acid, glucose, and glutamine is affected by serine deprivation, as are mitochondrial morphological dynamics leading to increased fragmentation. Interestingly, these changes can occur independently of nucleotide and redox metabolism, two known major functions of serine. A lipidomics analysis revealed an overall decrease in ceramide levels. Importantly, supplementation of the lipid component of bovine serum or C16:0-ceramide could partially restore defects in cell proliferation and mitochondrial fragmentation induced by serine deprivation. Together, these data define a role for serine in supporting mitochondrial function and cell proliferation through ceramide metabolism. : Cell proliferation can be serine dependent, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Using metabolomic and lipidomic approaches, Gao et al. find that, in addition to their functional role in nucleotide and redox metabolism, serine-derived lipids, ceramides, are essential for mitochondrial function and cell proliferation. Keywords: serine, one carbon metabolism, mitochondria, ceramide, metabolism, sphingolipids, cell proliferation, mitochondrial dynamics

The basic concept of effective stress describes the characteristics of fluid and solid interaction in porous media. In this paper, based on the theory of fractal geometry, a fractal model was built to analyze the relationship between the microstructure and the effective stress of porous media. From the microscopic point of view, the influence of effective stress on pore structure of porous media was demonstrated. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that: (i) the fractal model of effective stress can be used to describe the relationship between effective stress and the microstructure of porous media; (ii) a linear increase in the effective stress leads to exponential increases in fractal dimension, porosity and pore number of the porous media, and causes a decreasing trend in the average pore radius. Keywords: Porous media, Effective stress, Porosity, Fractal dimension, Size distribution

Poncirus polyandra, a plant species with extremely small populations endemic to Fumin county of Yunnan province, has been classified as a national second-class protected wild plant. In this study, we assembled its complete chloroplast genome. The total genome size of P. polyandra was 160,211 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region of 87,406 bp, a small single-copy region of 18,771 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 27,017 bp. The all GC content of P. polyandra chloroplast genome was 38.4%. It contains 137 function genes, including 92 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA ribosomal genes, 14 genes contain a single intron, and three genes have two introns. Phylogenetic analysis results strongly supported that P. polyandra was closely related to the genera of Citrus.

Morphology and structure play a crucial role in influencing the performance of gas sensors. Hollow structures, in particular, not only increase the specific surface area of the material but also enhance the collision frequency of gases within the shell, and have been studied in depth in the field of gas sensing. Taking SnO2 as an illustrative example, a dual-shell structure SnO2 (D-SnO2 ) was prepared. D-SnO2@Polyaniline (PANI) (DSPx, x represents D-SnO2 molar content) composites were synthesized via the in situ oxidative polymerization method, and simultaneously deposited onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate to fabricate an electrode-free, flexible sensor. The impact of the SnO2 content on the sensing performance of the DSPx-based sensor for NH3 detection at room temperature was discussed. The results showed that the response of a 20 mol% D-SnO2@PANI (DSP20) sensor to 100 ppm NH3 at room temperature is 37.92, which is 5.1 times higher than that of a pristine PANI sensor. Moreover, the DSP20 sensor demonstrated a rapid response and recovery rate at the concentration of 10 ppm NH3, with response and recovery times of 182 s and 86 s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shear thickening fluid (STF), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are both promising in body protection and anti-impact for the drastic viscosity change of STF and the extremely high tensile strength and elongation of CNTs. The excellent performance of the above two combined with traditional Kevlar fabrics can significantly improve the mechanical properties and reduce the number of layers used for body protection. This work reports a new method to prepare STF/CNTs/Kevlar with excellent tensile properties and anti-impact performance by spraying method with 1 wt% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution as a binder for better integration between CNTs and Kevlar. Surface morphology changes in the preparation process indicate the combined structure of PVA binder, CNTs, and STF, presenting a uniform macroscopic and nonuniform microscopic surface of STF/CNTs/Kevlar composite. The tensile strength and anti-impact properties including punch residual velocity and energy absorbed were studied and results for STF/CNTs/Kevlar composite are 669.8 ± 18.1 MPa, 1.602 ± 0.045 m/s, and 21.683 ± 1.182 J in 12 ms, increased by 46.4%, 23.0%, and 240.2%, respectively, compared with neat Kevlar, owing to the improved tight bonding and friction between fabrics yarns caused by PVA adhesive and tangled CNTs, accompanied with the enhanced viscosity of STF under forces. Highlights • Composites were made by spraying PVA, CNTs, and STF onto Kevlar fabrics; • The tensile strength of the composite was 46.4% higher than Kevlar; • The energy absorbed in 12 ms in anti-impact tests was improved by 240.2%; • Tight bonding and friction between yarns are reasons to improve properties; • The raised viscosity of STF under forces is useful for mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: A notable prevalence of subarachnoid hemorrhage is evident among patients with anterior choroidal artery aneurysms in clinical practice. To evaluate the risk of rupture in unruptured anterior choroidal artery aneurysms, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of risk factors and subsequently developed two nomograms. Methods: A total of 120 cases of anterior choroidal artery aneurysms (66 unruptured and 54 ruptured) from 4 medical institutions were assessed utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The training set, consisting of 98 aneurysms from 3 hospitals, was established, with an additional 22 cases from the fourth hospital forming the external validation set. Statistical differences between the two data sets were thoroughly compared. The significance of 9 clinical baseline characteristics, 11 aneurysm morphology parameters, and 4 hemodynamic parameters concerning aneurysm rupture was evaluated within the training set. Candidate selection for constructing the nomogram models involved regression analysis and variance inflation factors. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the models in both training and validation sets were assessed using area under curves (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The DeLong test, net reclassification index (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were employed to compare the effectiveness of classification across models. Results: Two nomogram models were ultimately constructed: model 1, incorporating clinical, morphological, and hemodynamic parameters (C + M + H), and model 2, relying primarily on clinical and morphological parameters (C + M). Multivariate analysis identified smoking, size ratio (SR), normalized wall shear stress (NWSS), and average oscillatory shear index (OSIave) as optimal candidates for model development. In the training set, model 1 (C + M + H) achieved an AUC of 0.795 (95% CI: 0.706 ~ 0.884), demonstrating a sensitivity of 95.6% and a specificity of 54.7%. Model 2 (C + M) had an AUC of 0.706 (95% CI: 0.604 ~ 0.808), with corresponding sensitivity and specificity of 82.4 and 50.3%, respectively. Similarly, AUCs for models 1 and 2 in the external validation set were calculated to be 0.709 and 0.674, respectively. Calibration plots illustrated a consistent correlation between model evaluations and real-world observations in both sets. DCA demonstrated that the model incorporating hemodynamic parameters offered higher clinical benefits. In the training set, NRI (0.224, p = 0.007), IDI (0.585, p = 0.002), and DeLong test (change = 0.089, p = 0.008) were all significant. In the external validation set, NRI, IDI, and DeLong test statistics were 0.624 (p = 0.063), 0.572 (p = 0.044), and 0.035 (p = 0.047), respectively. Conclusion: Multidimensional nomograms have the potential to enhance risk assessment and patient-specific treatment of anterior choroidal artery aneurysms. Validated by an external cohort, the model incorporating clinical, morphological, and hemodynamic features may provide improved classification of rupture states. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) analog (Dcloprostenol sodium and DL-cloprostenol sodium) administration on the milk yield of multiparous sows (MS) and piglet growth performance. In total, 320 Landrace x Yorkshire parturient MS were randomly divided into three groups on day 115 of pregnancy: without treatment (N = 50), with 75 µg D-cloprostenol sodium (N = 137), and with 200 µg DL-cloprostenol sodium (N = 133). After delivery, the sows treated with D-cloprostenol sodium and DL-cloprostenol sodium were randomly allocated into three subgroups, respectively: (i) no additional treatment after farrowing; (ii) administration of cloprostenol sodium at 3 h and 5 days after farrowing; and (iii) administration of cloprostenol sodium at 3 h, 5 days, and 10 days after farrowing. Cloprostenol sodium effectively induced sows to synchronize parturition approximately 23 h after administration and increased the daytime delivery rates (p < 0.05). Compared with DL-cloprostenol sodium, D-cloprostenol sodium shortened the farrowing duration and birth interval of sows for inducing farrowing (p < 0.05). Moreover, we observed that a single administration of both D-cloprostenol sodium and DL-cloprostenol sodium a day before delivery significantly reduced the rates of stillborn piglets type II in MS (p < 0.05). Compared to no treatment and single treatment with cloprostenol sodium, quartic treatments with cloprostenol sodium significantly increased the daily feed intake of MS, litter weight after weaning, and average daily gain of piglets (p < 0.05). Cloprostenol sodium improved the 21-day milk yield, with D-cloprostenol sodium showing the best effect, which increased lactation ability by 30.30% (176.72 kg vs. 135.63 kg) (p < 0.05). DL-cloprostenol sodium followed closely, increasing lactation ability by approximately 25.00% (169.71 kg vs. 135.63 kg) (p < 0.05). During lactation, sows administered with Dcloprostenol sodium observed increased serum prolactin levels. Compared to untreated sows, the sows administered with D-cloprostenol sodium and multiple DL-cloprostenol sodium visibly shortened the weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI) and weaning-to-service interval (WSI) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, quartic injections of D-cloprostenol sodium resulted in an 18 percentage point increase in the pregnancy rate of breeding sows compared to controls (82.61% vs. 64.58%) (p > 0.05). In summary, cloprostenol sodium could enhance the reproductive performance of MS, particularly in terms of lactation performance. Additionally, the effect of quartic injections of D-cloprostenol sodium was the most pronounced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the consistency of differentially expressed hub mRNAs and proteins in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) across populations and to construct a comprehensive LUAD prognostic signature. Methods: The transcriptomic and proteomics data from different populations were standardized and analyzed using the same criteria to identify the consistently differential expressed mRNAs and proteins across genders and races. We then integrated prognosis-related mRNAs with clinical, pathological, and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutation data to construct a survival model, subsequently validating it across populations. Through plasma proteomics, plasma proteins that consistently differential expressed with LUAD tissues were screened and validated, with their associations discerned by measuring expressions in tumor tissues and tumor vascular normalization. Results: The consistency rate of differentially expressed mRNAs and proteins was ~20-40%, with ethnic factors leading to about 40-60% consistency of differentially expressed mRNA or protein across populations. The survival model based on the identified eight hub mRNAs as well as stage, smoking status, and EGFR mutations, demonstrated good prognostic prediction capabilities in both Western and East Asian populations, with a higher number of unfavorable variables indicating poorer LUAD prognosis. Notably, GPI expression in tumor tissues was inversely correlated with vascular normalization and positively correlated with plasma GPI expression. Conclusion: Our study underscores the significance of integrating transcriptomics and proteomics data, emphasizing the need to account for genetic diversity among ethnic groups. The developed survival model may offer a holistic perspective on LUAD progression, enhancing prognosis and therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the levels of white blood cell count (WBC), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in patients with acute community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections and the value of their combined detection in predicting the occurrence of complications. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 218 patients with acute community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections admitted to Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from January 2021 to December 2021. All patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of complications during treatment: the group with complications (observation group) and the group without complications (control group). The treatment situation of the two groups was compared, and their levels of WBC, PCT, CRP and ESR were quantitatively detected and compared. Results: Patients in the observation group were hospitalized for significantly longer days than those in the control group (P<0.05), and their combined pleural effusion percentage and oxygen uptake rate were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of WBC, PCT, CRP and ESR in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group at admission, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Moreover, the positive rates of WBC, PCT, CRP and ESR in the observation group were higher than those in the control group in the single detection and the combined detection (P<0.05). Conclusions: The combined detection of WBC, PCT, CRP and ESR has substantial predictive value in predicting the occurrence of complications in patients with community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of globalization has intensified the growth of the worldwide floating population, and, in turn, diaspora studies and intercultural adaptation research have become hot research topics. This paper aims to contribute to the understanding of the circumstances of intercultural adaptation among Chinese people in the UK on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic. This research suggests that the extent of intercultural adaptation among individuals is somewhat correlated with their subjective willingness, English language proficiency, and duration of residence in the host society. These factors interact with one another to influence the level of intercultural adaptation. One of the most significant sociocultural adaptation challenges faced by Chinese workers in the UK during their intercultural adaptation process is the English language barrier. Despite some Chinese workers having lived in the UK for decades, their intercultural adaptation remains at the adaptation stage, and they struggle to reach the integration stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a high-sensitivity long-reach underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) system with an Mbps-scale data rate. Using a commercial blue light-emitting diode (LED) source, a photon counting receiver, and return-to-zero on–off keying modulation, a receiver sensitivity of −70 dBm at 7% FEC limit is successfully achieved for a 5 Mbps intensity modulation direct detection UOWC system over 10 m underwater channel. For 1 Mbps and 2 Mbps data rates, the receiver sensitivity is enhanced to −76 dBm and −74 dBm, respectively. We further investigate the system performance under different water conditions: first type of seawater (c = 0.056 m−1), second type (c = 0.151 m−1), and third type (c = 0.398 m−1). The maximum distance of the 2 Mbps signal can be extended up to 100 m in the first type of seawater.